Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) Not Buying Su-30SME Under MRCA Program.
Bangladesh Air Force’s Su-30SME acquisition plagued due to high price asking by Moscow. Rather Russia wants Bangladesh to buy its new Mig-35D. But BAF is not willing to buy any more Migs. UAC asked $60m for each Su-30SME whereas they offering it to Phillipines Air Force in a $45m price tags.
Bangladesh Air Force currently lacks in needed air power due to aging fleet of F-7BG and some of 8 Mig-29s. Country needs 2-3 more squadrons of 4++ generation fighter jets to maintain air power balance. Recent acquisition of BAF comprises only some trainer aircrafts and utility helicopters. No new advanced fighter jet has been bought in near future.
Initially Bangladesh sought for Su-35S, that’s too, slowed regarding high-price. In the meantime China offered Bangladesh a $1b loan to buy chinese military aircrafts includes J-10B 4.5th generation fighetr aircraft. BAF also needs J-10B like jet but it can’t compromise with the deep strike, long-range capabilities too. Hence, Su-30SME or Su-35S is a must needed capability for Bangladesh Air Force right now. Russia using this card to increase price. Although, BAF surely wait for the reduction in price.
Bangladesh facing burma’s relentless aggressive posture towards her border. Army and navy is ready to take steps to thwart burma to the edge but can’t go ahead due to lack of proper air power from the ountry’s air force. Hence, planners in Bangladesh Army considering about to acquiring some ground strike aircrafts like U.S. Army A-10 thunderbolt and Russian Army’s Su-25 Frogfoots. In that case BAF’s new fighter jet acquisition program will slowed down in the term of funding. It’s high-time for BAF to select a platform and negotiate skillfully to buy with reasonable price. For that air force should do heavy military-diplomatic works. Still there’s no hope but in the coming months Bangladesh Air Force will finalized the MRCA deal, maybe, finally, with Russia. So, seat tight and watch over it.
Defense Update Bangladesh 